Orlando, Florida, the home of Disney World, is the top vote-getter when Americans are
asked to pick their favorite vacation spot, according to a Quinnipiac University poll
released today.

In a nationwide survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack)
University, Americans are asked to select their favorite vacation destination from a list of
six cities often named as top tourist locations. Results are:

24 percent choose Orlando;

20 percent choose San Francisco;

19 percent choose Las Vegas;

14 percent choose Washington;

13 percent choose New York City;

4 percent choose Chicago.

"We are a young nation and a nation of families and our favorite vacation spot is a
family resort that didn't even exist 30 years ago," said Maurice Carroll, director of the
Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "As income rises, the preference shifts to San
Francisco.

"The Big Apple isn't so big with would-be vacationers. New York City ranks fifth
of six cities listed."

"The Second City? Chicago ranked six out of six cities, the only destination that
failed to score in double digits," Carroll added.

When asked what they like to do on vacation, "relaxing" is the first order of
business, 34 percent of Americans say, followed by 24 percent who want "history and
culture," 22 percent who want "family activities," and 13 percent who want "recreational
activities."

Only 3 percent are looking for "fine dining."

When Americans are asked to choose between New York and each city listed:

New York tops Chicago 60 - 32 percent;

Orlando tops New York 56 - 40 percent;

San Francisco tops New York 55 - 40 percent;

Washington tops New York 50 - 43 percent;

Las Vegas edges New York 49 - 46 percent.

From November 7 - 11, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,235 Americans, with a
margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and
nationwide as a public service and for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

17. Which of the following is most important for you when you go on vacation:
Visiting places of historical and cultural interest, recreational activities,
fine dining, activities for the whole family, or relaxing?

REGION.............. BEEN TO NYC Have
Tot NthE MidW Sth Wst Yes No Men Wom kids